Hunter Valley Transom 1

Hunter Valley Transom 2

Welcome!

This site is designed to illustrate our work and hopefully provide some answers you may have to the many questions surrounding leadlight products.

Riverina Leadlight & Fine Arts has been operating since 2003 but was originally Anaru Leadlight since its inception in 1998. After completing courses and an apprenticeship in Adelaide while lecturing in mathematics education in the mid 80's, many pieces have been designed & created as gifts or on commission- decorative mirrors, doors, windows, front door surrounds, wall hangings and cabinet doors. We also repair and restore leadlight and can assist those residing in country areas.

Our designs are unique and individualistic. If there is a piece you particularly like but it has been sold then one similar can be made. We like to think our art and the service we provide is more than referring clients to a page in a leadlight book, and we are more than happy to work with you to arrive at a design which is not only in keeping with what you would like to have in your domain but is workable in terms of construction, safety and durability.We are happy to communicate with you via phone or the internet and discuss your needs and we can provide estimates of price ranges for the various styles, glass, designs and situ, however for insurance claims and assessments a cost is involved in preparing the detailed summary often required by insurance companies so they have some idea as to what is involved regarding facilitating a repair or restoration.

As each and every leadlighter creates different works, it is often not possible to compare accurately what precise costs will be for new design work as is the case with artists as while one artwork may sell for a particular price other works may not be the same. We trust you appreciate this. What we do guarantee is a quality Australian made product regardless of size and purpose.

We trust you enjoy the journey through our site and should you see a piece you like or wish to order then all you need to do is call and we will do our level best to ensure a beautiful product for you.

Friday, 14 December 2012

Yet another year has almost passed and Christmas is once again just around the corner. Each year seems increasingly more difficult to reach the ideal balance between serenity and joy of quiet celebration and completing Christmas shopping with the frantic pace of crowds and shopping malls and commercial hysteria!.
Since we have relocated to the coast there have been several enquiries as to where we are and whether we are doing any glass work and artwork! It must be Murphy's Law given we have been out of action for so long and very little request for our art.

We are hoping to be set up again in the New Year and have orders in for more glass cabinets and plan to be operating again soon.
We have onl recently found a permanent residence to rent and place to settle after being displaced for so long from our home. We will not be returning given the risk of a recurrence as to lose precious possessions again would be too great a stress.
What with the effects of the drought some eight years ago in 2004 when I first started back into leadlight work after leaving the Department of Education, then the GFC and economic downturn, when things slowed to a virtual halt other than the odd piece such as the RSL panel, things were looking pretty grim! Thinking that was the last of it and wondering if we could get going again, we were then walloped by the storm water and silt from a breached dam and or levee on the common and sewage latest disasters in dealing with damaged house and loss of contents. The wildflowers mirror planned for the Narrandera Art exhibition was in pieces which are still hiding somewhere in a box and it has been difficult to ascertain what we own and what is missing never to be seen again. This was almost as bad as having hand knitted jumpers returned damaged after treatment renewing bad memories of what they and life had once been for us.
An order has been placed for new cabinets to hold art and glass which should be in place by February.

Replacing furniture and possessions for a second time ( or third if counting the original) over two years has been stressful coupled with sorting issues which was a full time occupation albeit unpaid!. I wonder how people in the USA who are constantly hit by hurricanes or tornados year in and year out and not knowing if and when the next will strike, manage to keep body and soul together.

Hopefully, we have seen the last of all the trauma and 2013 will be a happier year and bring much prosperity to all. Thank you to those of you who have emailed or phoned with good wishes.
We would like to take this opportunity to wish each an every one of you A Very Merry Christmas and a Safe and Happy New Year.

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TESTIMONIALS

*Glazier came round today - see attached for the (fantastic) results. I'm delighted with it - once again, thank you so much! Comment by owner James.*Many thanks for your hard work. The leadlighting is a great addition to the overall impression of the house.Prue -Hunter Valley Jan 2009

* Nola said " Oh Yes, one very thrilled recipient here! Jan 26 2008

* Prue & Dennis: Hunter Valley : Dennis and I are thrilled with the work you have done on the leadlights, Glenda. It has made our home come alive !!! Your expertise has restored the entrance hall and the front bedroom to how I imagine they must have looked when the house was built in the 1890s - albeit, with a different design. Many people have been "blown away" with the effect of your excellent work and are especially interested to know that you created it all, long-distance - from Lockhart in the Riverina - via telephone calls, emails and our very careful measurements ! Thank you for the time taken, on our behalf, to research the best methods of transporting our beautiful porthole leadlight to the Hunter Valley . Thank you too, to Les who assisted you by making up the sturdy crate in which the leadlight was transported. You are both very talented people and I intend, in a few months time, to commission Les to paint a picture of our restored house. We will be in touch again to have the remaining transom designed for the back door, when work has been completed in the kitchen.Many thanks for your delightful friendliness, customer-support and speedy completion of our superb new addition to our "work-in-progress".Prue and Dennis

* Monday, October 01, 2007 Anne Muir said...Hi, I am the person who commissioned this beautiful hexagonal window from Glen. I was after a dove of peace and although I had something in mind, I could not really describe what I wanted to Glen. She came back with a few ideas and after a few changes we ended up with the above. I am absolutely thrilled with it and can't wait to see it installed in our new home which is currently under construction. I will send a picture to Glen once we are in the house. I am extremely happy with Glen's work and all her help with colours and textures etc.. I would definitely recommend Glen and Riverina Leadlight to anyone interested in adding something different and beautiful to their home.Nola said...* Love the new work, Glen, as I'm sure the new owners will too. It must be frustrating to encounter other people's poor workmanship. I know that fixing things done wrong first time around is not easy or pleasant work! Or cheap, for the owner!

Maryann 'n Steve said...Thanks to Glen we are now the very proud owners of some absolutely gorgeous waterbirds. We cannot express how happy we are with every aspect of our interactions with Glen, from the initial consultation, through the whole design and consultation process, to viewing the work in progress and now the finished product. This is a very special addition to our backyard (yes, we are a little eccentric...most people put their leadlight in the house!).Glen and Riverina Leadlight have our recommendation to anyone looking for something different, created by someone who listens to your ideas, and produces a truly unique masterpiece. We are ecstatic!!Thanks Glen.....we will be back!

What is leadlight?

Leadlight consists of panels made up of small pieces of clear or coloured glass fitted together and separated by lead stripping .

How is a leadlight made?

1. A design is created anda pattern drawn.2. The glass pieces are cut to shape from the pattern3 The pieces are fitted together like a jigsaw with the pieces separated by strips of H shaped lead to complete the design .4 The joins are soldered to form a solid panel the correct size to fit a frame, window or door space.(External or large internal panels such as doors and windows are reinforced for added strength and puttied and polished after construction to protect against the weather.)5. The leadlight is puttied, cleaned and polished to blacken the lead6 The leadlight is installed just as a pane of glass would be installed in a window frame.

The majority of our designs are unique and made to specification and we are able to create designs to suit a range of situations whether modern style, or Edwardian and Victorian.

Copperfoil products, also available, are not leadlight as they are not made using the same process, and therefore have limited applications such as lamps, small mirrors and light catchers.

Where leadlight be displayed in my home?

Leadlight can be fitted into front door surrounds e.g. sidelights, front doors, internal doors as well as windows.Modern designs can be created to suit 21C homes and should a permanent fixture not be possible, free hanging pieces are available.In older homes, transoms above doors were often leadlighted allowing both light and air to pass between rooms. These panels were often hinged to allow warm air to flow between the rooms or to the outside on hot days, allowing cooler air to take its place. Fanshaped leadlights or " fanlights" also added colour and light to internal hallways.A timber surround is preferred to allow flexibility of movement and to minimise expansion. Leadlight can be installed anywhere either internally or externally, however external panels require weather proofing and in some cased reinforcement. Porthole windows are a popular addition to some homes today and leadlights provide privacy as an alternative to plain glass or block excessive glare from the sun.An addition to any bathroom or hallway can be a leadlight mirror with decorative design, framed or unframed to be hung or afixed to the wall. Cabinet and cupboard doors are another alternative in wall units or free standing cabinets. Brightly coloured mirror glass can be used to create artworks where backlighting is minimal, however lighting from behind can be fitted if desired.

Would I be able to make or repair a leadlight?

Many people undertake leadlight courses for various reasons , some with a view to learning a new skill, to create lamps and hangings, or make panels for their homes. It is important, however, to keep in focus as with any project, just what is involved in creating a piece, prior to commencement as this can often allay anguish and also unnecessary expense. While creating a light catcher can be a relatively simple and straight forward process, building a door panel or window pane can be a very different issue . Constructing a toolbox is largely different from building a house or a new kitchen and leadlight is a complex task!

I have had many people ask if I conduct classes as they wish to create a window or sidelight for their home with view to it being a cost saver. However, a half a dozen woodwork classes does not a back deck build and with door and window panels consideration must be given to a range of factors such as durability and stability, and waterproofing. Unfortunately due to the issues of liability & safety, coupled with work space and cost factors I do not conduct leadlight classes however they are available through incorporated institutions such as TAFE.

Developing the basics of cutting and fitting pieces of glass together to create a panel or lamp the correct size takes some time and before committing funds to tools and materials it is wise, if considering DYI a cheaper option, to set realistic goals, to consider the reasons for embarking on a course and to research what is required to gain the desired result. After all, the last thing anyone would want is to considerable money spent on materials, course and tools to create a window only to find it sags and requires expert input to rectify the problem within a couple of years. ( Point in case being the case with a particular church window in the ACT designed and constructed all but a few years ago by someone claiming to be a leadlighter only to show signs of serious sagging and requiring attention. )

Leadlight courses include many facets ranging from craft like activities - copper foiling, lamp making, light catchers (which can be hung in front of windows )and smaller leadlight panels such as cabinets to trade based larger projects. It can require time and experience to reach the stage of knowledge of structures and construction techniques.

SO WHAT IS COPPERFOIL? Copperfoil is made by placing foil strips over the edge of the glass, piecing the glass design together by placing the pieces side by side and soldering over the entire foil strip. While it is light and suitable for lamps and smaller light catchers, it is far less flexible than leadlight as the H lead used in leadlight acts as a cushioning agent absorbing vibration during movement. ( e.g. caused by ground or air) Copperfoil panels are more rigid being separated by a paper thin strip of foil and consequently will often crack under the stress of movement and vibration-constant opening and closing - internal pressure created by air movement or ground movement resulting from traffic, climate and other factors.

It is important to consider the building standards regarding different situations of panels, depending on height, size, and placement whether in a bathroom, a wall, on a landing; internal or external and those not engaged in professional leadlight trade should check structural issues prior to embarking on a major project as some panels require reinforcement and support given the weight and location of the panel. Leadlight is very heavy and given a square metre of glass minus lead can weigh up to 7 kilos, a leadlight panel of same size can weight considerably more.

Leadlight is definitely should be viewed a trade rather than a hobby and professional leadlighters contacted regarding products and courses to ensure theyare experienced and /or a registered business.

Can leadlight be fitted into aluminium windows?

Leadlight is able to be fitted to most windows, doors and timber frames on external windows or internal spaces. Leadlight can also be installed in aluminium windows, however this involves a slightly different process fitted the windows are being made. The building process for the leadlights is very precise given a different lead is used. If building a new home, it is possible to contact the window company or your builder to let them know your plans for leadlight, so the company can include it in their plans rather than making changes after the house is finished construction. This information can be shared with a leadlighter of your choice and if need be they can communicate with your window maker or builder.Timber windows do lend themselves far better to leadlights, and while the remaining windows in a home may be aluminium, it is possible to insert a timber frame in areas such as bathrooms to accommodate a leadlight.

How can I tell the condition of my leadlight?

HOW CAN I TELL IF MY LEADLIGHT IS WORTH FIXING OR NOT?Leadlights, if in good condition should be quite solid and strong. They can last many decades, even centuries depending on the degree of care. Sometimes if subjected to movement or impact, the leadlight may become loose and the lead may not support the glass sufficiently if the joints are poorly soldered. Lead which has been exposed to chemicals can resulted in oxidation and glass can become sandblasted over time in dry and dusty areas or if in a smoky or smoggy area. If subjected to continual movement and not reinforced, depending on how the leadlight was made, solder joints can fracture, putty from under the lead break away and cracks appear in the glass. In some cases, if subjected to stress, glass can develop hairline fractures almost naked to the human eye until the leadlight is dismantled or removed. However a well made leadlight should last for many years.More often than not the leadlight can be repaired or restored if the glass is cracked or broken however if the leadlight has been poorly made, has gaps between the glass and the lead, is sandblasted or is allowing dust, drafts or water through gaps and if there is no other matching leadlight it may be more cost efficient to have a quality leadlight replacement build to same , similar or new design.

To determine the condition, tap gently with the hand or fingers and press with the hand on the leadlight pane. If it flexes more than the usual small amount (leadlight is meant to flex a little in order to withstand movement and air pressure), or if it rattles then it is in need of repair. Placing sticky tape or contact over the leadlight is not a good idea unless a temporary screen to dust or rain and in this event if necessary, some masking tape and a small piece of heavy duty plastic is a far better alternative temporary measure until the leadlight can be repaired.Leadlight is usually quite tough and solid if in good condition and well made. Solder joints and lead should be free of fine cracks. Glass which has cracked ( sometimes hairline and almost invisible to the naked eye) or broken should be replaced as over time the leadlight may weaken and is more difficult to salvage. If the glass is generally in good condition the lead can be replaced and re soldered requiring a REBUILD or RESTORE. Pieces of broken glass can often be matched and or replaced which is a REPAIR.

Should gaps can appear between the lead and the glass, it may require a complete re-seating into the lead or glass recut as poor cutting can result in the glass not seating into the lead came neatly. Some leadlights I have repaired or restored have contained glass which has been very poorly or roughly cut creating gaps between the glass and lead.

WHAT CAN BE DONE IF LEADLIGHTS ARE IN NEED OF REPAIR AND I AM SITUATED IN AN ISOLATED AREA?

For those living in isolated country areas who have leadlights in need of repair, leadlight panels can be removed by removing beading or putty using a chisel or sharp object. Before removing- photograph and measure the opening. When removing, if the leadlight is lacking in strength it can be placed or taped / strapped onto a board . The leadlight can be packaged in wooden panelling and transported to us for repair. If less than metre in length, Australia Post provides good service for a reasonable rate. We can repair the leadlight and return it within a few days depending upon our workload, however we endeavour to carry out emergency repairs to panels as quickly as possible. It also necessary to provide an exact measurement of the space from which the leadlight was removed ( to the nearest Millimetre, plus a photo of the design in case of total collapse! Then a new design cam be created to suit the existing pieces and measurements.

In the interim, the window space can be filled temporarily with a board such as MDF cut to size by a carpenter or builder or owner if a handy person and leadlights are not overly difficult to install as they are in one piece similar to what a panel of glass would be ( and equivalent in size).On reinserting panels, glaziers points can be used then some putty or a non corrosive silicon applied to the outside after installation and trim or strips of putty being reapplied if necessary.

Leadlights and stained glass panels are relatively simple to install and the panel is a solid one piece which can be placed in situ given it is built to fit the precise space with a couple of millimetres to allow for movement. The surrounding lead should NEVER have nailes or tacks placed through it as this can cause the leadlight to twist in event of movement resulting in cracking and warping. Where leadlight is installed by clients or tradesmen, we are more than happy to provide assistance or advice to make the process and simple as possible and to ensure the leadlight will provide pleasure or enjoyment for many years to come.

Repairs and Restorations

Authentic Leadlight, is able to be repaired- refer to photos of some restored and repaired. The extent of the damage and overall quality of the leadlight influences the work involved. However as mentioned above: Artificial leadlights which are either glued or made with a single piece of glass and a design printed onto the glass which is extremely thin is often able to be repaired or restored.

Leadlight panels, if old and subjected to movement or stresses over years may require reputtying if the old cement has turned powdery and the leadlight rattles. Over time, some cements can deteriorate allowing moisture and air to pass between the glass and the lead. The putty falls away as a fine dust. Excessive stress or movement may cause fine cracks to appear in the lead, glass or solder joints. If the joints and lead are in good condition, the leadlight may just require re-cementing.

If the lead has deteriorated, the leadlight may be taken apart glass removed, cleaned and rebuilt with broken sections replaced with new glass and lead if required.If the leadlight is in poor condition, there are no other matching pieces, does not have historical significance or has been poorly made, a new replacement may be a more financially viable option. By retaining the old design and closely matching colours and textures an almost identical leadlight can be created in keeping with the original design. Some pieces of unique glass from the original leadlight may also be retained and reused and background replaced, depending upon the quality of the leadlight. If pieces have been badly cut or fitted, they may need reformatting.

Daffodils

Gum Blossom

Gum & Wattle Blossoms

Cabinet Doors

Arum Lilies Mirror

Sidelights restoration

Sidelights restored by replacing broken background glass and retaining original glass in leaves and roses

Magnolias Mirror

Approx 1.4m x 0.6m

HV Front Door surround

Federation window before restore

Federation Leadlight (after restoration)

Australian Flora

Transom Hunter Valley

Tulip Cabinet Doors

Leadlight

Dove

Octagonal leadlight window

Bathroom Window

Melbourne

Roses

Sidelights- Barellan NSW

Cootamundra Front Door Surround

A house restoration required new leadlights to replace orange coloured glass sidelights and transom

Blue Iris Leadlight Lightcatcher

Roses Front Door Surround

Front Windows

Reconstruction & Renewal

Casement Windows Repair

Rebuild

Red Wild Roses

Copperfoil Lightcatcher

Wildflowers

The old church which became a B&B

B&B diamond patterned antique glass window

front door panels and transom

A modern floral leadlight

Bevelled sidelights for an entryway

Made to match existing leadlights

Hallway door panels to match transom & top panels

Sunrise over the Bay (c)

Leadlight window panel

Classical Roses

Leadlight door panel

An example of different glass textures

Bathroom windows for B&B

Mirrors and Light Catchers

Note: All mirrors have been photographed so as to present a realistic reflection which, naturally, is not part of the product. Several methods have been trialled using sheeting, paper and block out to remove reflection, however this diminished the quality of presentation of the mirror as an artistic piece. Hence they are displayed as they would appear if hung in a gallery.

Sunflower mirror but with silver frame

Red Tulip Mirror

Gerberas Mirror

Door panel to match front door surround

This door panel was designed and constructed to match sidelights and transom

jonquils mirror

NFS

Copperfoil light catcher - approx 30cm diameter

Waterglass and antique $70

Blue Lady Orchid

SOLD

Clematis Mirror

Note: The circular shape is the reflection of orchid mirror in the mirror

Pink Rose Arch Mirror

Sold

Orchid Mirror

Wedding Gift to a Relative ( Note: similar mirrors can be made to order)

Yellow Rose Mirror 2

GIFT

MIRRORS

Leadlight and stained glass mirrors can make a real statement and are available in a range of decorative designs and sizes. Mirrors are available framed or unframed. They can be copper foil or leadlight. It is suggested for larger mirrors which require attchment to a wall that they be leadlight and framed either prior to purchase or by the client after purchase if desiring a particular style of frame.

Rectangular frames approximately 600 x 500mm and circular frames approximately 900mm in diameter made of Tasmanian timbers ( Blackwood, Tasmanian Oak) are available and suitable for free hanging mirrors or alternative framing in wnatever colour suits can be arranged if so desired on request.Designs for leadlight mirrors can be individual and utilizing coloured glass or coloured mirror glass in a range of textures.

Unfortunately repairs to these mirrors are not available due to the nature of the material however if cared for should last a lifetime.Mirrors can be free hanging (depending on the size and weight) or fixed to the wall.Mirrors range in size from 30cm x30 rectangular, round 30cm in diameter to 1.5m in length or approx 100cm or 1 metre in diameter. Unframed mirrors in free shape designs are also available on request.

Copyright Notice

Please note that works on this site primarily have been designed and constructed by us and are copyright. We ask that you respect our artistic rights - hence no part may be reproduced or downloaded by any means for use elsewhere or in construction by other leadlighters without written permission from us, the owners of Riverina Leadlight.

Also- while our blog or website may provide access and sponsored links to other organisations via third parties, we do not accept any responsibility or accountability in any way for their products or services and are therefore are not legally accountable.